Ex-Colombian Congreswoman Claims She Was Bribed,,,

In Colombia of all places, Imagine that, is it even possible,,,

former Colombian congresswoman whose vote was key to approving a constitutional reform that cleared the way for President Alvaro Uribe's reelection bid in 2006 claims she was offered certain benefits for her ballot, in apparent violation of Colombian law.

Yidis Medina said in a previously unseen 2004 video that Uribe, then-Interior Minister Sabas Pretelt and Alberto Velásquez, then secretary general of the presidency, offered her ''whatever she wanted'' in exchange for her vote favoring the reelection.

According to Medina, 17 other congressional representatives were also approached with similar offers.

The granting of special benefits to congressional representatives in exchange for votes has been standard practice throughout the history of the Colombian Congress.

But a 2003 constitutional amendment backed by Uribe outlawed the practice.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/502784.html

By miamimike on Apr 20, 2008, 03:21 in Friendly Talkzone.

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Ctg Bound says on Apr 20, 2008, 04:12: I thought that was how it worked everywhere?

Monpirri says on Apr 20, 2008, 05:21: Politics is a worldwide career and Colombia is not an exception. Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

nueva york bombero says on Apr 20, 2008, 11:55: Damn! I'm so upset now! I thought EVERYTHING in Colombia was beautiful..... Que feo !

Sam Salmon says on Apr 21, 2008, 10:02: Dear Me what is the world coming to!? Yes the nature of the political process never fails to shock and appall(!) ' a la orden!'

Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 21, 2008, 10:06: .

Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 21, 2008, 10:18: Juancegomez's post on this topic is more detailed.

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